MEDIA during the last ten years has blossomed into a big force and played a very positive role in exposing corruption and wrong doings in government departments and other sections of the society. It has promoted a culture of healthy interaction among stakeholders on critical issues. However, we may say that simultaneously it has become a target of criticism rather condemnation for what is being termed as misuse of freedom of media.
Media is a double-edged sword, it has its benefits, it has its vices. As the fourth pillar of State, the media is required to be socially responsible and a watchdog of the democracy, and not merely a money spinning machine that we witness in every drama, music and talk shows where advertisement consume more time than actual programme.
Freedom of expression, which the media swears by, also involves being accountable to the masses. There are frequent complaints that a part of media in Pakistan carries derogatory and insulting reports under the guise of investigative journalism and privacy of institutions and individuals is violated. It is necessary in every medium – television, radio, print and the internet - that the reporters and anchorpersons must be vigilant to ensure that they observe and report the news and discussions independently and without taking sides. While there has been misuse of freedom by some outlets, nevertheless, a thriving, independent media is necessary to act as the guarantor of civic freedoms. As Media has come of age, it is essential to ensure that it enjoys due respect and no aspersions are cast on its independence. For this representative bodies of the media should sit, deliberate and frame the rules for the vital organ of the state because it will be a sad story if media’s image is tarnished.
No comments:
Post a Comment